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Post‑Surgery Recovery Options for Pets
Helping Your Pet Heal Safely & Comfortably
After surgery or injury, pets must be prevented from licking, chewing, or scratching their incision. This is one of the most important parts of recovery and helps prevent infection, delayed healing, or the need for additional treatment.
All pets are required to leave our clinic wearing a recovery device.
If you choose not to purchase a recovery option in-clinic, we strongly encourage you to have one (or more) ready at home before surgery day, bringing it with you on surgery day so your pet can head home protected and comfortable!
No recovery device is 100% effective for every pet, and some patients may require a combination of recovery options for optimal protection.
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Why Recovery Protection Matters
Even a few minutes of licking or chewing can:
- Open an incision
- Introduce bacteria and cause infection
- Delay healing
- Result in additional procedures or medications
Recovery devices protect your pet during this vulnerable healing period and give the body time to do what it does best — heal.
Recommended Recovery Options
We recommend veterinary-grade recovery devices that have proven reliability, durability, and comfort. Below are trusted options commonly used in veterinary practices.
Recovery Cone
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Clear plastic cones prevent pets from reaching surgical sites while still allowing visibility.
Best for:
- Determined lickers or chewers
- Limb, flank, or rear-end incisions
- Eye protection
Things to know:
- May bump into furniture
- Some pets need help adjusting initially
Recommended options on Amazon:
- Recovery Buster Click Adjustable E-Collar – (link coming soon)
- Traditional clear veterinary E-collars (multiple sizes available) – (link coming soon)
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Soft / Foam Recovery Collars
These padded collars restrict flexibility and are often more comfortable than plastic cones.
Best for:
- Neck, shoulder, or facial procedures
- Some ear conditions when combined with other protection
- Pets sensitive to hard cones
Things to know:
- Not ideal for very flexible pets
- Proper sizing is essential
Recommended options on Amazon:
- Recovery Collar Soft Foam E-Collar – (link coming soon)
- Inflatable donut-style collars – (link coming soon)
Ear Wraps (For Ear Hematomas – Case Dependent)
Ear wraps are designed to support the ear and reduce flapping after treatment of an ear hematoma. These are not appropriate for every patient and should only be used when recommended by your veterinarian.
Best for:
- Dogs recovering from ear hematoma treatment
- Reducing ear flapping and head shaking
Important notes:
- Must be fitted correctly
- Often used in addition to a cone or foam collar
- Not a substitute for incision protection elsewhere
Well-reviewed options:
- No Flap Ear Wrap – (link coming soon)
- Buster Ear Cover (case-dependent ear protection) – (link coming soon)
Recovery Suits (Medical Pet Onesies)
Recovery suits cover the incision site and allow more natural movement.
Best for:
- Abdominal, thoracic, or flank incisions
- Spays and neuters
- Anxious or cone-intolerant pets
Things to know:
- Must fit properly
- Dogs require removal for bathroom breaks
- Some pets may still need a cone in addition
Recommended options on Amazon:
- Suitical Recovery Suit (dogs & cats) – (link coming soon)
- Buster EZ-Go Recovery Suit – (link coming soon)
Vet‑Approved Decision Chart: Choosing the Right Recovery Option
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Spay &
Neuter
Best Primary Option:
Recovery Suit & Plastic Cone
May Need Combination With:
Plastic or soft cone
Notes:
Prevents belly licking; cone added for determined pets. Found to be most effective for avoiding any possibility of licking especially the first couple of days
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Mass Removal
– Legs
Best Primary Option:
Plastic E‑collar / Cone & Recovery Sleeve
May Need Combination With:
Foam collar
Notes:
Limbs are easily reached without a cone
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Mass Removal
– Body/Flank
Best Primary Option:
Recovery Suit
May Need Combination With:
Plastic cone
Notes:
Suits work well; cone adds extra security
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Ear
Hematoma
Best Primary Option:
Plastic E-collar
May Need Combination With:
Foam collar, ear wrap, or ear cover
Notes:
Prevents head shaking and ear trauma; ear wraps or ear covers may be used in appropriate cases
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Eye Surgery &
Eye Protection
Best Primary Option:
Plastic E‑collar / Cone & Eye Patch
May Need Combination With:
None
Notes:
Gold standard for eye safety
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Nose &
Face
Best Primary Option:
Plastic or foam collar
May Need Combination With:
None
Notes:
Prevents rubbing and scratching
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Tail &
Rear End
Best Primary Option:
Plastic E‑collar / Cone & Recovery Suit (depending on location - Recovery Suit not applicable for Tail)
May Need Combination With:
None
Notes:
Required for full reach prevention
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We Recommend Having More Than One Option
Many families find recovery is smoother when they have backup recovery options at home. This is especially helpful for:
- Laundry rotation
- Pets that reject one style
- Transitioning comfort as healing progresses
Having alternatives ready reduces stress for both you and your pet.
Important Recovery Guidelines
- Recovery devices must be worn at all times, unless specifically instructed otherwise by our medical team.
- Supervision alone is not enough — pets can lick incisions very quickly.
- Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or irritation.
- If your pet removes or damages their recovery device, please contact us promptly.
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Need Help Choosing?
Our team is happy to help guide you on sizing and selection based on your pet’s procedure, size, and comfort needs. If you have questions before surgery day, please reach out to us.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep your pet safe and comfortable during recovery.
— North Coast Pet Clinic Team
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